GAME OF LIFE
Church basketball program teaches more than just dribbling, shooting
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor
"E very child is a winner." That is the motto of the Upward Basketball program now underway at Oak Hill Baptist Church. Success is not based on wins and losses but on learning and teaching lessons in

It is game time at Oak Hill Baptist Church as the Upward Basketball program gets underway each Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p. m. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett)

the game of life.

"It is a creative and fun community outreach activity," said the Rev. Jamie Archer, pastor, who expressed surprise that the program has 62 participants, eight teams, including cheerleaders, in its first year.

"We're just a small country church. It's amazing," he said.

In the Upward program, every child plays at least half the game; the starting line-up changes every game; no child sits out back-to-back six minute segments; and the cheerleaders cheer for everyone. Following each game, teams and parents gather as each player is awarded a star for things such as "Best Effort", "Best Sportsmanship", "Best Offense", "Best Defense" and "Christ-likeness." At halftime, volunteers from throughout the community offer devotions.

Games are played each Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the church with each game lasting about one hour. The program is co-ed with youth in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade eligible to participate.

"At the start of each game, the kids enter through a smoke tunnel as they are announced. Many who have attended the games have expressed surprise that it is so elaborate," said Rev. Archer.

He also noted that the volunteer coaches and referees are trained according to the program guidelines, and they conduct practice sessions throughout the week. During the session, the coach delivers a short devotion to the players, and teams have the opportunity to learn scripture verses together, which is another opportunity to earn a Star.

Parents are encouraged to cheer for both teams and each child individually as they are presented their Stars at the end of the games.

Rev. Archer extends an invitation to the entire community to come out and watch the games on Saturdays.

In a culture that seems to revolve around a "win at all cost" mentality, Upward Basketball is a refreshing alternative that combines a sports program with an evangelical message. Rev. Archer is hopeful that the program might be extended in the future to include other sports such as soccer and flag football.